A Twitter user wrote to footballer Stan Collymore questioning why the 19-year-old had left hospital after previously saying he was close to death

Inspirational teenager Stephen Sutton has been forced to defend himself against cruel accusations that he has ‘duped’ people.

Stephen, who has incurable bowel cancer, has raised more than £3.1 million for the Teenage Cancer Trust after his plight touched the hearts of people around the world.

The 19-year-old previously issued a heartbreaking farewell to his social media followers and said he was nearing the end.

But during the past week his health has dramatically improved. On Friday, he was discharged from hospital and told him he could return to his home in Burntwood, Staffordshire.

Following the news of Stephen’s release, twitter user @Shaneobrmay081 wrote to former footballer Stan Collymore, who has backed the inspirational teenager's campaign.

Collymore retweeted his message, which said: “Quick question Stan. That kid you raised 1000s for left hospital how’d that happen? Lots feel duped.”

Writing on the Birmingham Mail's Facebook page, Sarah Hill added: “Am I the only one who thinks something is not quite right here? While I hope I am wrong it feels like we are being conned.

"One minute he tweets saying he is dying and won’t see the next day, then all of a sudden he is being released to go home. As I said, I hope I am wrong but I have a strange feeling about this.”

Stephen, who on Friday met Prime Minister David Cameron who described him as “inspirational”, felt forced to defend himself.

In a message he said: “Sorry to disappoint you! So you know, I still have my cancer and it’s incurable, if that makes you feel less ‘duped’ x”

Stephen Sutton has touched the hearts of the nation with his positive outlook

He received the backing of many people on the social media site. @annamarieb19 said: “@_StephensStory think what you have achieved and your strength is amazing. keep strong and ignore negativity x”

Stephen’s Facebook page has more than half a million likes and he is followed by 180,000 people on Twitter.

When Stephen broke the news he was going home to supporters on his Facebook page, he wrote: “I have some more great news… I’ve been discharged from hospital!!

“After being at a point where it seemed like I’d never make it out it feels so awesome to be able to put that. The recovery I’ve undergone recently is quite remarkable .

“This extra period of time I now have feels like a gift, one that I’m determined to use productively. I’ll probably be straight back to doing some crazy stuff/events/etc soon, but for now, it just feels great to be home!!”

Twitter/Jason Manford

Thumbs up: Comedian Jason Manford with Stephen Sutton

Hours before he was discharged, PM Cameron visited him and praised his astonishing fundraising work.

Mr Cameron said: “He’s amazing, just an inspiration.

“Anyone who watches that video on YouTube just can’t help but be impressed by his bravery and courage but also his incredible warmth and passion for life. It really is extraordinary.

“He’s also got a great sense of humour, a great sense of fun, his bucket list is extraordinary. The really amazing thing is how much money he has raised. It has gone global, millions of pounds for an excellent cause.”